Behind Her Smile (12 page)

“What if we told her Miles was welcome to come over here, even while she’s grounded—when we’re home, that is. Maybe even encourage her to invite him to some youth group stuff at church?”

“Fine by me,” he replied. “It would be interesting to see if he’d come over. Plus, we want her dating guys who are Christians, so the youth group idea would be a good test for where he stands spiritually. But I’ve got to say, I doubt if he’s a Christian, especially since he was good with taking her out without meeting us.”

“Well, that might actually be Madison’s fault, not his. She told him he needed to pick her up at Lucy’s because you and I were out for the evening.”

“Great. One lie leads to another,” he said.

She nodded. “Yeah. Isn’t that the way it always is?”

“So how long do you think we should ground her for? How about three weeks?”

“Three weeks sounds reasonable to me.”

Steve slapped his hands down on his knees. “Okay. I’ll go talk to her.” He stood up, then bent down and kissed her. “It all begins,” he said, and Michelle smiled in return. The teens had started smoothly with their daughter, but clearly this year was going to be tougher.

“Want me to go with you?” she asked.

“No. Let me try talking to her first from a guy’s perspective. I don’t want her playing on your sympathies with those sad eyes of hers.”

She smiled. “Okay. Go for it. I’ll be down here praying.”

“Thanks, babe,” he replied with a smile.

Twenty minutes later, he reappeared.

“How’d it go?” she asked.

He looked weary. “Fine, I guess. She seemed pretty defensive, but hopefully she understood what I was trying to tell her. And she definitely knows lying is out.”

“Did she say anything about having him come over here while we’re home?”

“She said she’d think about it.”

“What about the youth group idea?” Michelle asked.

He shrugged. “She didn’t seem too hot on that. She’s been resisting youth group herself lately, so it didn’t really surprise me.”

“I know. Ever since Luke left, she’s pretty much lost interest in it,” she replied. “I’ll try talking to her, too. Maybe I can get her to give it another try. What about the concert the youth group is going to this coming weekend? We’d told her she could go if she wanted. Maybe we should make an exception on the grounding. Just for that event, that is.”

Steve nodded. “Good idea.” He paused and then added, “We need to pray, honey. I think we’ve got a battle ahead this year.” Sitting down again by her side, he took her hand in his and together they prayed for wisdom and strength to be the kind of parents who held fast to what they knew was right while still showing unconditional love.

“Sometimes I see how Grandpa rubbed off on you,” Michelle said.

“Now that’s about the best thing I’ve heard all day,” he replied with a warm smile as he drew her into his arms.

When Miles asked Madison about going with him to the next football game that coming Friday, she explained that she was grounded. “Bummer,” he replied. “What happened?”

“I didn’t do something they wanted me to do,” she said, telling a half-truth. “You can still come over,” she added. “I just can’t go anywhere for three weeks.”

“Okay. Want a ride home?” he asked.

She thought for a minute. Her mom never got home before four o’clock. That gave her an hour and a half after school let out. “Sure,” she replied. Maybe she could talk to him about the youth group concert at the same time.

“Cool. Meet you in the parking lot,” he said, as he walked away.

While they drove to her house that afternoon, she said, “So this morning, my mom was saying that even though I’m grounded, I can go to the church youth group concert thing next weekend if I want to. Would you want to go?”

“What is it?”

“It’s a couple of Christian bands playing at the college. Our church is taking the youth group for pizza first and then over to the concert.”

“Oh.” He didn’t seem impressed.

“No problem if you don’t want to go.”

“It’s not really my thing,” he said. “Church, I mean.”

She nodded. “Okay. Just thought I’d ask.”

He reached over and put his hand on her thigh. “Wanna stop for ice cream?” he asked, clearly changing the subject.

“I’m not really that hungry. But if you want to, it’s fine with me.” She smiled reassuringly.

“Got any food at your house?”

“Yeah. My brother’s an empty pit when it comes to food, so we always keep tons of stuff around. We could just go straight there and have something.”

“Sounds good to me,” he replied, giving her leg a squeeze.

After having a snack, they wandered into the living room. “You guys have a pretty big house,” Miles said, glancing up the stairs.

“Yeah,” she replied. “Wanna see the rest of it?”

“Sure.”

She took him upstairs, a feeling of forbidden pleasure surging through her. When she and Luke were kids, he’d been in her room a few times, but she’d never had any other guy even come to her house. Thankfully she’d picked up her room the night before, so she didn’t have to worry about what might be on the floor, like underwear.

Miles just glanced into her parents’ room but walked freely into Caleb’s. “So this is your brother?” he asked, pointing to a picture on the bookcase.

“Yeah. That’s him.”

“Cute kid.” He looked around the rest of the room. “He’s into sports,” he observed.

“Yep.”

Miles nodded as he studied the posters on the walls. “So where’s your room?”

“Right down here,” she said, leading him out into the hall and pointing to the end.

He followed her through the door into her sanctuary. “I’ve never been in a girl’s room before,” he said with an awkward smile.

“What do you think?” she asked, gesturing to the décor.

“I like it,” he said. He sat down on the edge of her bed, and Madison suddenly felt very nervous. She knew her parents would freak out if they could see what was happening.

“Come here,” he said, patting his knee for her to sit down.

She didn’t want him to know she was suddenly feeling uneasy.
It’s fine,
she told herself as she sat down on his lap. She’d have to figure out a way to get him out of the house by the time her mother got home. Then everything would be okay.

“Sometime I’ll have to show you my room,” he said. “It doesn’t look anything like this. In fact, it’s pretty hard to find the floor in there. You might say I could be a little neater.”

She laughed, starting to relax a little.

He looked at her and said, “I could just kiss you right now.”

“Go ahead,” she replied.

As their lips met, she immediately felt her body beginning to respond.

Get out of there!
A voice in her head urged. But she had a hard time pulling away. As Miles’ hand began to move over her body, she heard a sound that broke the spell. It was the garage door opening.

Madison dragged Miles by the hand down the stairs as quickly as she could make her feet move. She heard her mother and Caleb’s voices in the kitchen. Catching her breath, she smoothed her clothing and released her hold on her boyfriend right before Michelle walked into the room.

“Hi, Mom,” she blurted out.

Her mother glared at her. Then she turned her attention to Miles. “Can I have a moment with my daughter, please?” She walked over and opened the front door, gesturing to the porch.

“Sure thing,” he replied, glancing at Madison with a questioning look before walking outside.

Michelle turned to face her. “I thought we had an understanding,” she said.

“We do. Miles got here right before you did,” Madison replied. “Remember, you said he could come over here.”

“When
we
are home,” Michelle replied emphatically.

“So I should have left him waiting outside until you pulled in?” she asked defensively.

“Yes. Or asked him to come back later.”

Madison sighed. “Fine. Do you want me to send him home now?”

Her mother stared at her.

“What?”

Michelle gave her a disappointed look and shook her head. “I feel like I don’t even know you anymore, Madison. Sneaking around behind our back, and your attitude. What’s up?”

She felt herself starting to crumble, hating how her relationship with her mother was so strained now. If her parents weren’t so outdated and overboard about the whole dating thing, none of this would have happened. But how could she risk losing what was happening with Miles? He made her feel like she was as pretty as the other girls—the popular girls—at school. Although she wanted to just sit down and cry and make things right with her mother, Miles was right outside the front door waiting for her.

“I’m sorry, Mom. I promise no more sneaking around.” She watched her mother’s expression and was relieved to see it soften.

“Okay,” Michelle replied, stroking Madison’s arm and then clasping her hand.

“So can he stay?”

She nodded. “I guess. Would you like to invite him for dinner?”

Madison hesitated. That seemed like it would be pretty awkward. But she knew her dad would have to meet Miles if she had any chance of really dating him. “Uh, yeah, sure.”

“Alright. Good,” her mother replied.

Madison gave her a hug. “Guess I’d better go out and get him.” She found Miles sitting on the porch step, elbows on his knees studying the cell phone in his hands. “You can come in now,” she said.

He looked up and smiled at her. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah. In fact, my mom suggested I invite you to stay for dinner.”

“Really? Cool. I’ll text my mom.” He glanced back down at his phone and sent a message. “So what do you want to do until we eat?” he asked.

She hadn’t thought of that. Now that her mother and Caleb were home, it was a little awkward being with him at the house. “How about watching something on television?” she suggested.

“Okay.” He stood, following her back into the house.

Madison flipped on the TV, and they watched an old rerun of a sitcom. “Maybe I’ll do some homework while we watch,” she said, unzipping her backpack that was beside the couch on the floor. “Want to do our history questions?”

“Sure. Be right back.” He went out to the car and got his notebook.

By the time they’d finished, Steve was pulling into the driveway. He came in through the front door and looked surprised to see Miles there. Madison introduced him. “Mom said he could stay for dinner.”

“Looks like you’ve been doing homework together,” he observed.

“Yeah, history,” Miles replied.

Madison noticed her father studying Miles. She cleared her throat to get his attention and shot him a pleading look.

“Well, I’d better see if your mom needs any help in the kitchen,” he said. “Nice to meet you, Miles. I’m glad you’re staying for dinner.”

After he’d left the room, Miles said, “Are you sure this is a good idea? My staying, I mean? Your dad seemed a little…I don’t know, not thrilled about it.”

Madison winced inside. She’d picked up the same vibes from her father. Why did parents have to be so impossible about everything? “It’ll be fine,” she said, hoping she sounded more convincing than she felt.

As they sat down for dinner, she could tell Miles was a little nervous. Especially when everyone joined hands before her father prayed over the meal. The only redeeming part was that he kept holding her hand for an extra second or two after the prayer was over.

“So tell us a little about yourself,” Steve said, his eyes on Miles.

“Well, my mom and I just moved here from Texas. We live in the apartments over on Second Street,” he said.

“Do you have any brothers or sisters?” Caleb asked.

“Nope. Just me.”

Madison’s brother nodded. “Oh.”

There was an awkward silence for a few moments as everyone started eating. Then Michelle asked, “Does your mother work?”

“Not right now. But she’s looking for a job.”

“What kind of work does she do?” Steve asked.

“She’s a bartender. And she’s done some waitressing. But bartending pays better,” he replied.

Madison felt her stomach tighten. Probably not the best conversation to impress her parents. “Miles loves Sandy Cove, don’t you?” she said, changing the subject.

He nodded. “Yeah. It’s a really pretty town. And I love the beach,” he added, glancing over at Madison and smiling.

Steve cleared his throat as if to pull Miles attention away from her. “So do you and your mother attend church around here?” he asked.

Great, Madison thought. One more thing not to like about him.

“Uh, no,” Miles replied, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. “My mom grew up Baptist,” he said. “Madison says you guys have a great church you go to,” he added, turning to Maddie and smiling knowingly.

Steve nodded. “You’d be welcome to join us anytime. It’s a good way to get to know people in the community. Madison’s been pretty involved in the youth group there, so she could introduce you to all of her friends.”

“Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind,” Miles replied, turning to Madison again and giving her a wink. Then he turned his attention to Caleb. “So I’ve heard you like sports.”

Madison flashed back to the two of them up in Caleb’s bedroom and then her own.

“Yeah. I play baseball, soccer, and basketball,” her brother replied. “How about you?”

“I like to watch. But mostly I just skateboard myself,” he said.

Caleb nodded. “Cool.”

It seemed to Madison that dinner would drag on forever. Finally, her mother said, “Dessert anyone?”

“Not for me,” she replied. Then turning to Miles she asked, “How about you?”

“I’m fine.” He seemed to be as eager to get away from the table as she was. “But thanks anyway. And thanks for dinner.” As they stood up, he added, “I’d better get going.”

Madison turned to her mother. “I’ll walk him out to the car and then help you with the dishes.”

Michelle smiled. “Okay, honey.” Then she turned to Miles. “It was nice getting to know you,” she said.

“You, too,” he replied a little awkwardly.

As they walked out the front door, Madison surprised herself by taking his hand. “Sorry about all that,” she said.

“What?”

“The third degree.”

He laughed. “No problem. I’m not sure your dad approves of me, though.”

She didn’t know what to say.
I hope Dad doesn’t ruin this for me,
she thought. “Try not to let him get to you,” was her final reply.

Squeezing her hand, he replied, “See you at school tomorrow.” Then he got into the car without giving her a kiss goodbye.

When she came back into the house, her mother and father were waiting for her. “We need to talk, honey,” her mom said.

Madison felt her heart sink. “You don’t like him, do you?” she asked.

“It’s not that we don’t like him,” her father said, “it’s just that we’re pretty sure he’s not a Christian, Madison, and you know what we think about dating non-believers. It’ll just lead to heartache later.”

Madison looked to her mother for support, but she didn’t find any.

“I agree with your father. Have you even discussed it with Miles?” she asked.

“Kind of.”

“And?” Michelle asked.

“And I’m fine with him. We even talked about the youth group concert.” She didn’t add the fact that he wasn’t interested in going.

Her parents exchanged glances. “Keep this relationship light, Madison,” her mother said. “I really don’t think it’s going to be one for the long haul.”

“And remember, we don’t want you two together here unless we’re home,” her father added firmly.

“Got it,” she said, as she headed for the stairway.

The next day, Miles wasn’t in history class. Madison kept expecting him to walk in late, but he never showed up. Later, she saw him in the hall talking to some senior girl. The girl was smiling and laughing and gave him a playful nudge.

Should I walk over to him?
Maddie wondered.
Or just act like I didn’t see him?
She opted for the latter and was passing him when she heard her name. Turning, she saw the other girl waving as she left.

“Hey,” Miles said.

“Hey,” she replied, trying to act casual. “You weren’t in class this morning.”

“No. I got here late. Flat tire, so my mom dropped me off.”

She nodded. “Is she picking you up after school?”

“Yeah. We’re getting the tire replaced. She’s got some job interview this afternoon, so she might be a little late.”

Madison thought for moment and then offered, “I could hang out with you for a while if you want. I just need to be home before my mom gets there.”

“Okay, cool,” he replied. “Meet you by the gym?”

“Sure,” she said, waving as he headed out the door to the portable classrooms. He seemed different somehow. More distant. Probably because of her parents and all the church talk last night.

When she went out to the gym after school, he was talking on his cell phone. He glanced up at her and made eye contact, then she heard him say, “Okay. Ten minutes. Got it.”

“What’s up?” she asked.

“That was my mom. The interview was shorter than she thought. She’s heading over here to get me, so I only have a few minutes.”

Madison’s heart sank a little. Oh well. Her bus was about to leave. Maybe she should hurry and see if she could still catch it. When she mentioned that possibility to him, he didn’t offer his mom to give her a ride. Instead he just nodded. “Good idea. See you tomorrow.”

As she rushed to the bus stop, she spotted the girl he’d been talking to that morning in the hall. Her outfit was edgy.
Think tomorrow I’ll wear that sweater Miles likes so much,
she thought. Being cute was important, and being sexy was part of being cute.

That night, she pulled out the sweater and her tight jeans. She’d wear knee high boots over them and pull the sweater off her shoulders before history class.

Thankfully, her dad left for work really early, and her mom was super busy the next morning so there were no discussions about what she was wearing. When Miles came into class and spotted her, he smiled. The old Miles was back. Whatever had been going on the day before seemed to have evaporated. Now she had his attention again.

“Did you get your new tire?” she asked as they strolled out of the room.

“Sure did,” he replied. “You’ve got my favorite sweater on today,” he added, draping his arm over her shoulder.

It felt good to be close again. She nodded. “Just for you.”

“Want me to drive you home today?” he asked, absentmindedly fingering the exposed bra strap on her shoulder.

“Sure. But I think you’d better leave before my mom gets home. You can come back if you want. But she’s freaking out about the grounding thing. You’re not supposed to be there when she’s not home.”